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Centre County commissioners adopt proclamation promoting safe, secure firearm storage
Summary
The Centre County Board of Commissioners adopted Proclamation No. 33 of 2025, endorsing safe and secure firearm storage and urging support for state legislation and local outreach to reduce unintentional injuries and suicides involving firearms.
The Centre County Board of Commissioners adopted Proclamation No. 33 of 2025, proclaiming safe and secure firearm storage in Centre County and urging residents to take steps to secure firearms.
Proclamation 33 was presented to the board by members of the Centre County Interfaith Coalition for Gun Safety. Josh, representing the coalition, asked those present to contact state legislators in support of HB 731, which coalition speakers said would encourage “common sense measures for safe firearm storage.” Anne, a Presbyterian minister and member of the coalition, said the group has developed a resource document and held discussions with local faith leaders about congregation safety measures. “We call on you to make this proclamation a beginning and not an end,” Josh said, quoting a passage he attributed to the prophet Isaiah: “live in joy and be led home in peace.”
The board discussed the proclamation before voting. Commissioner Dershow said he is “a firm and strong supporter of the Second Amendment” but added that “weapons need to be secured around children,” calling safe storage “common sense.” Commissioner Michelle and others noted rural hunting traditions while emphasizing storage and safety training; Michelle said safe storage is like other childproofing measures such as locking medications and cleaners, and that slowing access to lethal means can reduce suicide risk. The board voted to adopt the proclamation by voice vote; the motion carried.
Why it matters: presenters linked safe-storage practices to preventing unintentional injuries, domestic-violence fatalities, and gun suicides, and they urged state-level action on HB 731. The proclamation commits the county to public outreach and recognizes existing local partnerships — including the coalition’s work with Ceasefire PA and with groups addressing lethal means in homes.
The proclamation does not create new county law or regulatory requirements; it is a formal statement of support and an advocacy step that speakers said is intended to prompt outreach and legislative contact. The board did not direct county staff to adopt new ordinance language or to allocate a specific budget in connection with the proclamation.
The coalition and commissioners took a group photo after the vote and thanked attendees for their advocacy. The board moved on to other agenda items.
